Hunting down, collecting and learning about the original versions of popular songs started as a hobby years ago. Until YouTube and other video sites came along I was the only one I knew who had access to some of these songs. I would occasionally share with friends who seemed happy to learn about them as well.

These posts started as a fun feature on Facebook but became popular enough that my friends encouraged me to move them to the web so others enjoy as well.

Friday, May 20, 2011

When The Levee Breaks — Memphis Minnie (1929)

"When The Levee Breaks" was written and originally recorded by husband/wife team Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie in 1929. The song is a reaction to the upheaval caused by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. It was famously reworked by Led Zeppelin as the last song on their 1971 album, Led Zeppelin IV. It is credited to all four band members and Memphis Minnie. The original version is in the public domain.